Grid Kids will replace grid girls on Formula 1 grid

Formula 1 will follow a path of some other motorsport series by replacing grid girls with the Grid Kids, announced FIA today. A few days ago it was decided that grid girls will no longer fulfill the pre-race ceremony at the Formula 1 Grand Prix events and now the new solution has been introduced.

FIA announced that the Grid Kids joint initiative will involve the local Grand Prix promoters working alongside ASNs (the FIA-recognised national sporting authorities) who will provide a unique opportunity to youngsters and their families to be part of Formula One events.

The youngsters from karting or junior formula competitions will be chosen by their motorsport clubs on merit, or by lottery. The lucky few will then be able to accompany and stand alongside the twenty Formula 1 drivers on the grid as they prepare for the race. The Grid Kids will be chosen at every Formula 1 race, and where possible, also for the major feeder series like F2 and GP3.

No more grid girls in Formula One

“Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motor sport and the dream of every young racer competing the junior series that make up the FIA’s single-seater pyramid, from karting all the way to F1. We are therefore delighted to bring that dream a little closer by giving the future champions of our sport the opportunity to stand alongside their heroes on the grid in the build-up to the race start. For the wider FIA, this is an excellent initiative that provides additional support to our member ASNs in their efforts to grow motorsport worldwide through a unique reward they can make available to youngsters participating in their national series,”FIA President Jean Todt said.

Sean Bratches, F1 Managing Director of Commercial Operations said: “This will be an extraordinary moment for these youngsters: imagine, standing beside their heroes, watch as they prepare to race, the elite of the elite in motorsport, to be there, alongside them in those precious few minutes just before the start. What an unforgettable experience, for them, and their families. An inspiration to keep driving, training and learning so that they can dream of one day being there themselves. What better way to inspire the next generation of Formula 1 heroes.”